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BOCRA issues fines for fake phones

Real or not: Regulators across Africa are struggling to enforce type approval standards in their markets PIC ITWEB AFRICA
Real or not: Regulators across Africa are struggling to enforce type approval standards in their markets PIC ITWEB AFRICA

The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) dished out fines ranging up to P2,000 each to 55 retailers around the country who were found selling substandard and counterfeit communications devices last year.

According to the Authority’s annual report released recently, BOCRA conducted inspections on 169 communication retailers around the country and found 55 of them to be non-compliant, selling devices that were substandard, counterfeit or unauthorised.

BOCRA is responsible for enforcing type approval standards in the country which ensure that all communications equipment used in Botswana is compliant with national standards, covering health and safety, electro- magnetic compatibility, interoperability, and the latest National Radio Frequency Plan. In its inspections last year, BOCRA seized 432 communication devices and dished out penalties not exceeding P2,000 to those selling them.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

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